"She's been involved with and still heads up the bicycle group," he said, noting she got involved when the group that patrols Dublin events on bicycle was created.

"She sort of championed that cause," Woo said. "So, she to this day pretty well coordinates that and coordinates training of our personnel," he said.

"She was one of the original members when we organized the dive team," Woo said.

Smith also sat on the team that helped the department achieve accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.

"She's been pretty active," Woo said.

Safety officer, fire and CPR instructor and emergency vehicle operator also stand among several other achievements on Smith's resume. In her spare time, Smith coaches girls softball.

So many different achievements and responsibilities have enabled Smith to work days that are anything but boring.

"We call it tools in the tool box," Smith said.

"I enjoy the complete job, the functions and diversity," she said.

"I've availed the opportunity to participate in so many aspects of my job.

"Instead of just coming in and taking fire runs and EMS runs, I enjoy the complete dynamic of knowing you're there to help someone. It's different every single day."

As captain, Smith will take on some new responsibilities.

Woo said Smith will organize the budget for upkeep and maintenance at Station 91 and will be acting battalion chief in the absence of the battalion chief, which includes running calls and managing incidents.

"When they're on vacation or have any sort of off time," Smith will fill the role, Woo said. "It's a huge responsibility."

Smith said she's ready to jump into her new job.

"I'm excited. There's the need to want to do my best that's always there; the need to never fail is always there," she said. "I want to know the most and be the best. I guess I'm amped up."

As Smith takes her position as the first female captain in Washington Township history, she said she doesn't consider it a major milestone.

"I can understand that looking from the outside in," Smith said.

"Honestly, I am a female and these milestones have been hit, but I don't feel any more pressure than any man would feel in my position," she said.

"I feel fortunate. I've been surrounded by great coworkers and upper management.

"The gender difference has never been anything called attention to in any shape or form."

The Washington Township Fire Department has about six female employees out of 141 full- and part-time firefighters.

Woo said Smith competed against three others for the position and didn't get it because of her gender. "She got promoted because she passed the process," he said. "She's delivered.

"She's been out there and she's always involved. It didn't have anything to do with being a woman.

"Sure, she's had extra challenges, don't get me wrong," Woo said. "She's competing in a world full of men. It is a balancing act."